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KATSEYE: the REVIVAL OF Y2K FASHION

An identity born of diversity

When HYBE — behind BTS’s success— and Geffen Records —an American label— decided to join forces to create THE girls band, no one could have imagined the impact that Katseye would have. Because yeah, let’s be honest: 6 girls with different personalities, a disparate level of singing and dancing skills, and no guarantee that the synergy would be there… it’s risky. So risky that even Jimmy Kimmel wouldn’t have dared. Or maybe he would have, who knows. Anyway, at the end: it was a winning bet.

Born out of the program The Debut: Dream Academy, broadcast on Netflix as a documentary called Popstar Academy, which was as controversial as it was popular, the group now has 6 members: Lara (American born of Indian parents), Manon (born of Ghanaian, Italian, and Swiss parents), Yoonchae (Korean), Megan (American born to Singaporean, Swedish, and Chinese parents), Sophia (Filipino), and Daniela (American born to Cuban and Venezuelan parents). I was not lying when I talked about identity born of diversity!

When HYBE — behind BTS’s success— and Geffen Records —an American label— decided to join forces to create THE girls band, no one could have imagined the impact that Katseye would have. Because yeah, let’s be honest: 6 girls with different personalities, a disparate level of singing and dancing skills, and no guarantee that the synergy would be there… it’s risky. So risky that even Jimmy Kimmel wouldn’t have dared. Or maybe we would have, who knows. But anyway, at the end : it was a winning bet.

Born out of the program The Debut: Dream Academy, broadcast on Netflix as a documentary called Popstar Academy, which was as controversial as it was popular, the group now has 6 members: Lara (American born of Indian parents), Manon (born of Ghanaian, Italian, and Swiss parents), Yoonchae (Korean), Megan (American born to Singaporean, Swedish, and Chinese parents), Sophia (Filipino), and Daniela (American born to Cuban and Venezuelan parents). I was not lying when I talked about identity born of diversity!

The debut: an ERASED fashion aesthetic

The pre-debut (trainees’ training phase) was marked by a complete erasure of each Katseye member’s individual fashion style. Instead, a polished, colorful aesthetic was “imposed” on them, one that was very distant from their personalities.

Far from self-expression, conformity to societal expectations was the order of the day: looks that did not stand out, supposed to appeal to an audience of young teenage girls. In reality, it was a camouflage of their individuality that was carried out. Oops, sorry that had to be said.

One of Lara's outfit during the program. — One of Lara’s outfit during the program.

Lara's outfit before the program. — Lara’s outfit before the program.

Thankfully, things started to fall into place during the debut (when the group officially released their first song), where each of the girls was able to assert her individuality. AND WE LOVE THAT!

2025: THE REVIVAL OF Y2K MAXIMALISM

The Dream Academy days are over now! From Debut, their first track, to Gabriela, the latest release from their second EP Beautiful Chaos, the band has come a long way. And so has their fashion!

Step by step, Manon, Lara, Megan, Sophia, Yoonchae, and Daniela have managed to reclaim, for some, and discover, for others, the very essence of their personalities through the way they dress. On the agenda: Y2K style. Translation? Embracing your femininity, exuding self-confidence, and above all: being fun and bold.

Out with the (overly) polished image, Carrie Bradshaw has finally found her worthy successors. Katseye gives new meaning to clothing, makes you want to take risks and accept yourself as you are. Is it not that the goal of fashion, after all?

The Dream Academy days are over now! From Debut, their first track, to Gabriela, the latest release from their second EP Beautiful Chaos, the band has come a long way. And so has their fashion!

Step by step, Manon, Lara, Megan, Sophia, Yoonchae, and Daniela have managed to reclaim, for some, and discover, for others, the very essence of their personalities through the way they dress. On the agenda: Y2K style. Translation? Embracing your femininity, exuding self-confidence, and above all: being fun and bold.

THEIR style ? Gnarly.

Gnarly? Well, since April 2025, this is the word that every eyekon —Katseye’s fanbase, like Ebony’s Bonitas/Bonitos— has been using. Well, that’s only half true. Because actually, EVERYONE has this word on their lips. TikTok, Instagram, and even Twitter (I will not fall in the “X” propaganda), trends have multiplied: choreographies, outfit transitions, makeup and even hairstyle transitions, everything has been done. Everything is Gnarly. EVERYTHING.

“EVERYTHING’S GNARLY”

– KATSEYE, GNARLY

Their stage presence, choreography, musical rhythm, and (of course) their gnarly vibe have caught the attention of the whole world. We are talking about the first girl band “to make American music mixed with intense K-pop choreography” (according to Daniela in an interview with @iD!). Add to that their high-level style and aura, then mix it all together. The result? One day, you find yourself following Katseye’s news and really loving their aesthetic. No choice, that is just how it is, I don’t make the rules!

Big furry boots reminiscent of the Drag Queen Mami Watta and of Fashion Week 2025, XXL belts, full denim looks, GAP collaboration… it’s been a long time since a band has embodied Fashion with a capital F so much.

And because all their outfits are gnarly, here is the Katseye special TOP 6: the best individual look from each member.